Back in 2009, Legendary Pictures was trying to put the pieces together on a Jimi Hendrix biopic with Paul Greengrass as the likely director. It fell apart when the Hendrix estate pulled its support, concerned the film could hurt record sales and denying access to the legendary musician’s most famous tunes. Now, things appear to be inching back on track, with Greengrass once more in negotiations to direct and** 8 Mile**’s Scott Silver aboard to write the script.
Back when it was first mooted, there was talk that Anthony Mackie could be the perfect choice for Jimi, and although he’s since been mooted for a competing Hendrix project that was being developed by Ol Parker, that one appears to have vanished into limbo, which means Mackie could well be in line again – assuming he has time between all of his planned Avenging.
But the big key here – aside from Greengrass finding space on his schedule for the film once he finishes the next Bourne outing with Matt Damon – is the support of the Hendrix estate, with Janie Hendrix, Jimi’s sister and CEO of Hendrix Experience, the company that controls all access to his music, likeness and name, on as an executive producer. It all means the film will be able to use the likes of 'Foxy Lady'. Not having the Hendrix back catalogue on the soundtrack can hurt a film, as John Ridley’s Jimi: All Is By My Side discovered in 2013.